How to Clean Your Home After Water Damage
Water is important in our lives. We need water to live, but when water is in excess, it can be dangerous. Flooding, heavy rains, and even heavy snowfall can cause several issues, like flowing water through the roof and the floor of a home. The one thing to remember is that your home can be cleaned, but you have to take quick action. If you are delayed, mold will start to develop. Here’s how to clean your home after flood and water damage.
Identify the Source and Remove the Water
If you have faced any situation in which your home gets water damaged, you first need to identify the source. If it is due to pipe leakage, then you should close the main water valve. If it is due to the flood in the area, then you should opt for removing the water from the basement and the places where the water is standing. The more the water stays, the more it can cause damage and produce bacteria.
Dry Out Everything
The next step is to dry out everything as early as possible. First of all, remove the wet items and dry them. Then, use dehumidifiers and fans to dry the place. Check for humidity because mold grows in more humid places. You can also seek help from professionals for this task. Throw away any soft materials like carpets or padding that have gotten very wet.
Remove Contaminated Mud
Because of floods, a significant amount of mud can get into your home and in your backyard. Scoop out as much mud as you can, then use a water sprayer to wash out the remaining mud from the hard surfaces.
Remove the Flooring
If you have any type of flooring, quickly remove that. Even if the tiles, vinyl sheets, or wood floors seem to be dry, you should remove them because they can soak moisture and can cause other issues.
Clean Walls and Ceiling
Once you have removed the water from your home, now turn your attention towards cleaning walls and Ceiling. If your walls are soaked from flooding, it’s best to remove and dispose of the wallboard. However, plaster and paneling can often be saved. Use fans to dry the walls and then clean them up. Collect water damaged material and throw it in the garbage. You can get services of water damage cleaning services from professionals.
Use a Disinfectant
When you have dried up everything and cleaned out the space from water, you can start disinfecting things within your home. A common choice is mixing one part bleach with ten parts of water. Disinfect properly to get rid of any contamination and bacteria.
Inspect for Mold
Once you have finished cleaning and disinfecting, it’s important to check your home for mold. Mold can grow fast in wet places and can make your family sick.
By following these steps, you can clean your home after water damage to ensure your home is safe once again. Cleaning is essential because, after this, you can start the restoration process with the help of experts.
